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Writer's pictureSophie Yin

No Data Science Desired Degree - How I got started in my data science career! Part 1



In the recent years data science has become a popular topic that every company wants to apply and many people want to study. It has become rather competitive especially for those who didn't graduate with a Machine Learning, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics Degree of Masters or PhD level.


First we have to recognize that the OGs of this industry are not at all only people with the degrees mentioned above. I don't think of data science as a specific job, but as a tool and method that everyone and I mean EVERYONE can learn and apply. That is the beauty of analytics, it is used everywhere, can be applied anywhere, can be learned by anyone.


Second, although the majors mentioned above are probably the most desired degrees that is listed on data science job descriptions, but it doesn't mean other degrees doesn't apply the relevant skills to be a data scientist. If you can code in R, Python, SQL, and Scala, your skillset will never be denied. Next is your knowledge on machine learning and how to apply it, this education you can almost get anywhere. Lastly, it's your domain knowledge and how you can use the business knowledge to apply a data science solution to it. This last one requires a bit of creativity in my opinion, but once you are adapted to the flow you will do just fine.


Third, always be curious and willing to do the research! As with any tech industry, keeping up with the latest algorithms and advances in research is a key. Think of it as a necessary fashion update for the tech fashionistas. A very good source is Medium, specifically Towards Data Science. Of course there is always the hard grunt work of reading through papers. As a data scientist part of my day is on research and learning, that is the best part of my day.


Fourth, a necessity in all jobs, the ability to breakdown problems into manageable chunks that can be followed through. With every job, we are tasked with big problems that can really be overwhelming, it's important to remember that even the most complex problems can be dissected to try and solve one part at a time. Following the MECE mentioned in https://from02infinity.wixsite.com/home/post/how-to-apply-routine-problem-solving-to-your-business-problem-sequential-analysis


Fifth, a vague but not to be underestimated soft skill, you must be able to understand complicated ideas but explain them clearly in the simplest way for others. You will be working with people who don't understand data science and it's essential you know how to pitch to them why this matters to them and what the value to them is.


Data science is really an all skills required job, if you have not seen this diagram you are missing out! We must continue learning to become that perfect data scientist!


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